health

Non-Fiction Review: Lactivate!

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LACTIVATE! by Jill Krause
LACTIVATE!: A User’s Guide To Breastfeeding
by Jill Krause, Chrisie Rosenthal IBCLC

5 out of 5 stars

This book has worlds of information about every conceivable situation that might come up while breastfeeding a baby. Whether to use formula, how to encourage baby to latch on, bonding with baby right after birth, breast milk storage guidelines, how to use a breast pump, even what to do if baby is in NICU. There are charts for tracking feeding times, tracking baby’s weight, instructions on burping baby, changing diapers, and how to know if something is wrong with baby’s digestion.

One of the things I really loved about this book are the inspirational quotes reassuring a new mom that she is doing great, she has the right to choose whatever she wants to do for herself and her child, and that each baby will be different. There is no guilt and no shame in doing what is best for your own well-being and for the health of your child! Continue reading →

Cookbook Review: 30-Min. Low-FODMAP Cookbook

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The 30-Minute Low-FODMAP Cookbook by Colleen Francioli
The 30-Minute Low-FODMAP Cookbook: 101 Delicious Recipes to Soothe IBS and Other Digestive Disorders
by Colleen Francioli

5 out of 5 stars


This cookbook begins with an introduction section that explains what FODMAPs are- specific types of carbs, sugars, and fibers that can trigger IBS symptoms. Some foods are naturally low in these types of carbs, and are easier on the gut, leading to better digestion and overall health. There is a lengthy list of types of foods to avoid and foods to eat more often. You can still eat small portions of FODMAP foods, and gradually reintroduce them into your diet as your gut heals. I really love the balanced diet portrayed in this health plan. There are pantry lists and lists of ingredients to watch out for on food labels.

Then the recipes are divided into sections for Smoothies, Breakfast, Sides and Salads, Meatless Mains, Fish and Seafood, Poultry and Meat, Snacks and Desserts, and Broths and Sauces. Each recipe has nutritional labels, and labels to say whether it is dairy-free, vegetarian, nut-free, vegan, one pot, or a quick recipe. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Migraine Diet

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The Migraine Diet by Denise Potter
The Migraine Diet: A Ketogenic Meal Plan for Headache Relief
by Denise Potter

5 out of 5 stars

This cookbook begins with a section about how food can heal the body, and what causes migraines. It explains how a ketogenic diet might help migraines by cutting out carbs. Other therapies and medications are also mentioned to possibly be used alongside the ketogenic diet as a way to treat and prevent migraines. The reader is encouraged to keep a migraine diary and keep a record of their migraines as a way to determine the type, length, and stressors that impact their migraines.

The second section gives general instructions about what ingredients to buy for the most common recipes, what foods to avoid, and what vitamins to take. Gentle exercise and meditation are also recommended as a way to reduce the stress and emotional upset which can lead to migraines.

There is a weekly meal plan and a shopping list for 4 weeks, as well as a weekly page to keep a migraine diary.

Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Healthy Family Cookbook

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The Healthy Family Cookbook by Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CDE
The Healthy Family Cookbook: 100 Fast and Easy Recipes for the Whole Family
by Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CDE

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

With simple and quick recipes that the whole family will love, this cookbook makes it easy to eat healthy meals every day! There are simple recipes that have only 5 ingredients, quick recipes with only 15 minutes of prep time, and recipes to cook in one pot.

This book begins with some “Time-Saving Tips” and “Tips for Raising Adventurous Eaters” to get your children involved in choosing and preparing healthy meals, and gives many family-friendly recipes that are simple enough for kids to help with the cooking. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Mindfulness Journal for Teens

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The Mindfulness Journal for Teens by Jennie Marie Battistin, MA,...
The Mindfulness Journal for Teens: Prompts and Practices to Help You Stay Cool, Calm, and Present
by Jennie Marie Battistin, MA, LMFT

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This beautiful guided journal prompts the reader/writer to answer questions, contemplate quotes about peace and mindfulness, practice meditations, focus on the breath, embrace personal affirmations, and write down their thoughts.

The best thing about this book is the beautiful design and calming colors on each page. It makes me want to open the book and notice every little leaf and fruit design around the edges while I do the meditations.

The prompts begin with a simple noticing of your emotions, your body, and surroundings, and then move into more deep contemplations and journal instructions about your insecurities, your strengths and fears. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Quick and Easy Healthy Cookbook

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The Quick & Easy Healthy Cookbook by Carrie Forrest
The Quick & Easy Healthy Cookbook: 125 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
by Carrie Forrest

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Beginning with a color chart of vegetables and colorful foods, this cookbook encourages guilt-free healthy eating that nourishes your body. The recipes include labels for nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

There are also recipes that are extra quick and can be made in 20 minutes or less, recipes that are kid-friendly, and recipes that are freezer-friendly to make the most of your leftovers. There is a list of recommended ingredients to keep on hand in the pantry. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Practical Yoga Nidra

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Practical Yoga Nidra by Scott Moore
Practical Yoga Nidra: A 10-Step Method to Reduce Stress, Improve Sleep, and Restore Your Spirit
by Scott Moore

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book gives a step-by-step guide to beginning and deepening a Yoga Nidra practice. The first chapter talks about what Yoga Nidra is, and how it can improve your sleep, make you more aware, reduce stress, help you to cope with emotions, and heal your body. Then each chapter focuses on one aspect of Yoga Nidra, opening your awareness to different areas of your body, mind, and spirit.

Each chapter includes a short and a long meditation script that you can prerecord for yourself and then play it back while you meditate. You can choose to do the shorter 5-minute meditation, or the longer one. Meditations includes visualizing a happy and safe place, doing a mental scan of your body, listening to your emotions, observing and releasing your thoughts, focusing on the breath, and setting an intention for your well-being. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Restorative Yoga for Beginners

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Restorative Yoga for Beginners by Julia Clarke
Restorative Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Poses for Relaxation and Healing
by Julia Clarke

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book begins with an explanation of the restorative yoga style, and how it affects the body, calms the mind, and provides stress relief. Then some general information with Do’s and Don’ts about props, clothing, and how much time a restorative yoga practice should take.

The second section of the book gives details and instructions on performing each individual yoga pose. Each pose is listed with the benefits of the pose, and precautions for the elderly, injured, or pregnant women. There are also suggested time limits to hold the pose, and lovely illustrations in calm pastel colors demonstrating the pose. Continue reading →

NonFiction Book Review: Vegetarian Meal Prep Cookbook

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The Vegetarian Meal Prep Cookbook by Lisa Danielson
The Vegetarian Meal Prep Cookbook: Time-Saving Recipes and Weekly Plans for Healthy Eating
by Lisa Danielson

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This cookbook includes meal plans, recipes, and advice on how to prepare vegetarian meals ahead of time. With shopping lists, budgeting, tips on types of containers and equipment, and information about how to freeze leftovers, this book is the perfect guide to make vegetarian meals simple and easy when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

The book begins with an introduction section with general advice and information on meal prepping. Part One of the book has Meal Prep Plans and shopping lists that cover meals for 8 weeks. Part Two has 75 vegetarian recipes, divided by Breakfast recipes, Lunch and Dinners, Sides, Snacks, Sauces and Dips. Continue reading →

Cookbook Review: The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook

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The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook by Danielle Martin
The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook: Healing Recipes for Total Wellness
by Danielle Martin,  Annie Martin (Photographer)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

“With the proper diet, medicine is of no need; with an improper diet, medicine is of no use.”

This book explains the theories behind Ayurvedic medicine, and gives advice on eating for your body type or “dosha”. The first section gives a little history about the origins of Ayurveda and how this system can stimulate the body to heal itself. Then the three “doshas” are introduced with a quiz to help you determine your type. Kaphas are sluggish and compassionate. Pittas are energetic and ambitious. And Vatas are restless and imaginative. They each also have physical characteristics and common health problems that result from their body type and personality type.

The next chapter gives advice for eating according to your “dosha” and how certain foods can worsen common ailments for your type or can heal those problems. Eating a healthy diet at regular meal times can balance the “digestive fire” and help your body respond well to food, embracing nourishment for every area of your health. Continue reading →